“Nice to meet you,” Diesel says with a handshake and a grin.

“He’s new to Eldorado and will be staying in one of the ranch hand cabins. He’ll be working with Jackson on breaking in the wild horses. He has bull riding experience and trains riders too.”

Diesel looks at me with a sly grin. “Bull riding?” His brows raise, a reaction I’m used to from people when they learn what I used to do. “Impressive.”

“Thanks. It was dangerous work, won some competitions, got some trophies, but I’m retired now.” People are always shocked by what I’ve accomplished. I’ve made enough money to do whatever I want, and I stopped riding bulls before I broke my back. However, I keep those details to myself.

“I bet you have some insane stories about traveling to rodeos and competing, huh?” Riley gives me a smirk.

“Or how much ass you got?” Diesel taunts.

The corner of my lips tilts up as I think about the past. It was a wild and crazy time. “You could say that. On both accounts.”

“Maybe over a round of beers,” Diesel suggests. “My girlfriend works at the Circle B Saloon in town and will hook us up. We could meet up after work.”

Riley groans, and I’m not entirely sure why. Might be because Diesel mentioned his girlfriend, but I have a feeling there’s more to this story than they’re saying.

“Uh, sure. I’ve been there a couple of times.” I pinch the back of my neck, thinking about the last time I was in town. Maize comes to the forefront, and I half-wonder if she’ll be there. Wouldn’t that be some crazy shit? I look at him. “How about nine?”

“Sounds good,” he tells me.

One thing I love about this part of Texas is everyone’s friendly, and I know Diesel’s genuinely inviting me to make me feel welcome. It’s just how people are around these parts, and the last thing I want to do is reject the offer and come off like a dick. First impressions are important.

“Alright, now that our team meeting is over…” Alex’s lips tilt up. “I’m gonna give Gavin a tour of the property and get him settled in with Jackson and Kiera.”

Moments later, Alex and I head out the door. Alex unlocks the truck that looks like it’s seen better days, and we get inside. The bumper is bent with large scratches on the side. I buckle in, and as the sun rises, we begin the grand tour of the Circle B Ranch.

“Riley and Diesel like to rag on each other all the time. They’ve been best friends since they were kids,” Alex explains. “And Diesel is now dating my daughter Rowan, something Riley has been against since he was five.”